A washing-machine-sized NASA supported spacecraft will approach four defunct satellites and rocket bodies, testing technology that could one day help repair spacecraft or remove orbital debris

• Otter will travel to within hundreds of yards of each object and examine it without making physical contacA spacecraft about the size of a washing machine is preparing to approach objects that are no longer working in Earth's orbit.
• The mission, supported by NASA, will test whether a spacecraft can independently navigate towards inactive satellites and rocket bodies, examine their condition and move between different orbits.
• The technology could eventually help repair spacecraft or remove unwanted objects from space.